^U5 



BROKEN CHAINS 



By 
NELLIE C. DODD 




Missionary Education Movement of the 

United States and Canada 

156 Fifth Avenue New York 




g)C|.D 42381 



TMP92-009112 



CHARACTERS* 

Osman, an elderly Turk. 

Ahmet, a young Turk of education. 

Enver, a young village Turk. 

Husein, shopkeeper. 

Villagers (2). 

Spies (2). 

Colporteur, a Christian. 

Street Vender. 

Beggar. 

Small boys in street scene. 

Gul Hanum, wife of Osman. 

Sabieh ) , , . , ~. 

Nazlu \ dau S nters °i Osman. 

Fatima, a neighbor. 

COSTUMES 

Osman — Gray, flowing beard and mustache. Trousers baggy in seat, narrow 
at bottom, reaching to ankles, coarse white goods. Shirt of same goods, open at 
neck, long sleeves wound around wrist, tails extending over trousers to knees 
like a skirt. Broad colored girdle, wound several times around body. Heavy 
wool stockings, white or colored. Shoes of thick red leather, pointed and turned 
up at toes. Red fez on head, with embroidered scarf wound around base, covering 
hair completely, tassel of fez under scarf. Large rough coat, or abba, extending 
below knees for outdoor use. This is cut with large square for back, two oblong 
pieces for fronts, square extensions for sleeves. 

Ahmet — Dark mustache. Regular costume of higher class Turk. Blue 
broadcloth trousers, vest and short jacket, wide figured girdle, striped shirt under 
vest, worn inside trousers, girdle wound over trousers and vest, under jacket. 
Shoes, stockings, fez similar to Osman. 

Enver — Mustache. Costume similar to Ahmet, but red if possible, and poorer 
in appearance. 

Husein — Beard and mustache. Trousers and tunic similar to Osman, but of 
some dark material. Short jacket, wide girdle. Shoes unnecessary, as he sits 
cross-legged on shop platform most of the time. Fez. 



W ■ Sp 



illagers — Beards, mustaches, fezes. 

First Man in white similar to Osman, but without coat or jacket. 
Second Man with trousers and abba, brown and white stripes. 



Spies — Trousers of dark material, long tunics almost to ankles. Tunics of 
striped or flowered goods, open in front like a coat, and ends tucked up under 
broad girdles. One spy with vest (worn under girdle), other without, or with 
jacket similar to very short abba. Fezes. 

Colporteur — Dark trousers more like American cut, long brown and black 
striped tunic with end turned up under rather narrow girdle. Short black jacket, 
or longer black coat. Fez without any scarf around it. 

*In the pronunciation of proper names as far as possible accent all syllables evenly— that is, 
do not accent at all. 

Osman = Oas in post. Ahmet = ah(sound the Almet. Husein = Hugh-sane. Gul = Ger- 
man umlaut. Nazlu — broad a and short 11. Kooroo Keoy = 00 as in moon, eoy = umlaut with 
y on end. 



4 BROKEN CHAINS 

Street Vender — Similar to spies with vest and no jacket. 

Beggar — Ragged garment of sacking with girdle, ragged fez and scarf. 

Small Boys — Short tunics, trousers showing below knees a little way, girdles, 
fezes without tassels or scarfs. Vest or jacket optional. Legs and feet bare. 

Gul Hanum — (Typical stupid peasant woman.) Red or flowered trousers, 
very baggy at ankles. Long overgarment, red or figured girdle, bib fastening 
around neck and heavy square apron. Little red cap, decorated with beads and 
hung with jewels and coins, which dangle over hair arranged in many little braids. 
Scarf of soft goods, worn over headgear and held across face in presence of men 
outside the family. In the house the scarf is often removed entirely. Turkish 
slippers. 

Sabieh — Long upper garment nearly covering trousers, girdle, sleeveless 
jacket (or short jacket with short sleeves), hair in two braids, small red cap, 
scarf, a few bracelets. This costume should be as pretty and tasteful as possible, 
showing difference between educated girl and ignorant peasant girl in same cir- 
cumstances. 

Nazlu — Baggy trousers, light-colored shirt, short sleeveless jacket, square 
aprons worn front and back like panels, girdle, headgear like Giil Hanum, 
necklace of coins, scarf. Turkish slippers. 

Fatima — (Sharp-tongued, superstitious peasant woman.) Rough white shirt 
and colored trousers, entirely covered, however, by black-and-white or red-and- 
white large-checked charshaf, the street garment of all women. Charshaf is a 
sheet with ends sewed together half-way up. A string around the waist converts 
the lower half into a skirt and the upper half is drawn over head with open ends 
hanging down. Shoes, wooden blocks held on with strap over the foot. Hair 
in many braids, powdered gray. 

COSTUMES FOR RENT FOR THIS PLAY 

Set of costumes for fifteen principal characters, $11.50. This rental is for one 
public presentation. The costumes are accurate and suited to the characters, a 
number of them having been imported from Turkey. Costumes should be reserved 
as far in advance as possible. Delivery for advance rehearsals is not guaranteed, 
but where costumes are received in time, they may be used in rehearsing. Separate 
costumes for men, women, boys and girls, for additional characters, rental 50c. to 
$1.00 each. 

Costumes rented for all types in all mission lands. Send for special circular. 
Address Exposition Department, Missionary Education Movement, 156 Fifth 
Avenue, New York. 

NOTES 

All men wear fezes with scarfs wound around base except the colporteur and 
the boys, who wear fezes without scarfs. These are never removed in the house. 
Scarfs should not be pure white, as this indicates a teacher. If men have large 
heavy street shoes these are removed on entering the house. When sitting on 
couch, shoes are removed, and every one first stands on couch, then sits cross- 
legged, never with feet hanging over edge. 

Women always veil in presence of men outside the family. Fatima, however, 
does not veil before Osman, because she is an old woman, and an intimate neighbor. 

Directions for Veiling — Hold edge of scarf or charshaf flat across forehead 
with thumbs outside scarf, palms forward. Turn palms toward face, making fold 
in scarf on each side of head. Draw one end thus held across face over the nose, 
under fold on opposite side. Draw second end around under chin (tight to hold 
first end) and tuck into first fold just below the eye. On the street or in high 
society a thin veil would be worn over face, and then the charshaf folded in this 
way over it. 



NOV -8 1915 



BROKEN CHAINS 5 

Men's trousers are baggy above, but narrow below. 

Women's trousers (or shalvars ) are very full and baggy at ankles. 

Looking over rice in Scene 1 is done as follows : Tbe rice is in a pile on the 
low, round table, a flat tin placed on the top of the pile. A handful of rice is 
drawn from the pile and spread out; any stones or sticks, etc., are picked out 
and thrown into the dish on top, and the good rice swept off with the hand into 
another tin in the person's lap. 

Men, when unoccupied, play with a string of beads. 

Women of the peasant class spin. Spinners can be made by fastening three 
pencils together at right angles to each other. Pad their juncture with cotton and 
wind with white cotton string, to represent thread already spun. Fasten thread 
around one pencil, and leave an end 18 to 20 inches long to attach to finger of 
left hand. Hold rough cotton batting over hand. With right hand twirl the 
spinner, then run finger and thumb up and down string by which it is suspended, 
as though guiding the raw cotton into thread form. 

Street vender's bundle — scarfs and embroideries — should be laid in a gaudy- 
colored square. The diagonal corners of the square are tied together over them, 
and serve as a handle, as the vender slings the bundle upon his shoulder. 

Agha and Etfcndi are terms of respect, Agha used only for peasants, after a 
man's name ; Effendi used with, or commonly without, the name. 

Men in meeting or taking leave of each other make salutation by touching 
their foreheads with their hands. 

Women, when Osman says farewell, stoop slightly and fold hands over their 
stomachs. 



ACCESSORIES 

Part I 

Scene i — Three or four spinners. (See Notes.) 

Rice, three pans. 

Round wooden table eight to ten inches high. 

Earthenware or copper water jugs. 

Copper or brass basin. 

Dish, in which rice is cooked over charcoal fire, is placed directly on 
table for evening meal. Two large spoons, cup for water, no other 
dishes. When Sabieh eats with her father, they eat out of common 
central dish. 

Large doll wrapped cornerwise in bright covered comforter. 
Scene 2 — Various assortment of boxes containing wares for the shopkeeper, 
prunes, shoes, nails, barley ; all spread out on platform around 
him. Coins for villagers and Ahmet and Enver. Dagger for Enver. 
Bibles and bag for colporteur. Bag for villagers to carry away 
barley. Beads for the men, especially beggar. Iron nuts for boys 



to play with. 



Scene 2 — Vender's bundle. 



Part II 



Part III 
Dirty piece of paper for letter. 

Suggested Phrases 

For noise outside scenes : 
Mashallah ! 
Megha! 
Kim bilir ! 
Ishitdingmi ! 



6 BROKEN CHAINS 

For beggar : 

Baksheesh, effendi, baksheesh ! 

Istersen, baksheesh ! 

Alms, for the love of Allah, alms ! 

For vender in calling his wares, street scene : 

Yazma! Yazma ! (Singsong, second syllable higher than first.) 

POSTURES FOR PRAYER 

The movements of the Moslem prayer ritual may be found in Lane, Manners 
and Customs of the Modern Egyptians, pp. 78, 79. 

THE CALL TO PRAYER 

Allahuakbar. Allahuakbar. 
Allahuakbar. Allahuakbar. 

Ashhaduanlailahaillallah. Ashhaduanlailahaillallah. 
Ashhaduanna Mohammadar rasoolullah. 
Ashhaduanna Mohammadar rasoolullah. 
Heiya'alassalah. Heiya'alassalah. 

The whole of the call need not be given. It should sound muffled from behind 
the scenes as though coming from a distance. 

Lullaby for Part II, Scene 1, and Part III : 

OROROTSI YERK 

Song of the Cradle 

(Lullaby, from Russian Armenia) 

Ariimsokhag toghbardezmerin 
Dagherovkunper dughisacherin 
Paitsnalalisetu soghagmikal 
Imvortinchuze diratsutarnal. 

— Native Melodies (Armenian). 

SUGGESTED PLATFORM SETTINGS 
Part I, Scene i; Part II, Scene 2; Part III 

Room in Osman's house. Door at left side and left center back. Window 
at right back. Walls hung with rugs, rugs on floor, also covering two divans, one 
at left front, other at right back under window. Rug-loom, if possible, otherwise 
table at right side. Water jugs and basin at right side. Turkish brass stove left 
front, low table center front. Stool in front of loom. 

Part I, Scene 2 

Street scene, floor bare, boxes which formed base of couch left front now 
form shop platform in same place. Neutral background. If paneled screen is 
used, reverse side can represent outside of Osman's house. Platform should be 
open left and right side at back to allow free passage back and forth like a street. 
Shopkeeper seated cross-legged behind his wares. Beggar crouching right front. 
Water carrier passes with water sack on back. Street vender calling wares. 
Women, veiled, pass. Small boys playing, tease beggar, etc. 

Part II, Scene i 
Same as Part I, Scene 2, with shop removed, and lights turned low to represent 
night. Street outside Osman's house. 



BROKEN CHAINS 

PART I, Scene i 

Room in Osman's house. Sabieh and Nazlu seated cross-legged on the floor 
before a low table, looking over rice. 

Nazlu : But, sister, what didst thou with so many books ? Our father is 
surely more learned than thou, for he is a man, and yet he has not read one book 
in many years, while thou sayest thou hadst five books in thy room at once, and 
didst read them all. Why, thou hast not been gone from home over one year, 
or two at most, hast thou? 

Sabieh: Is time no more to thee than that, Nazlu? Twice have you pre- 
pared the feasts of Ramazan without me, and twice have the fields been plowed 
and the grain sown while I was absent. It is two years since I begged our father 
to let me go to the American School. Hast thou forgotten the day? 

Nazlu : Nay, I remember it well. Thou wert but little then, Sabieh, and 
afraid, yet eager for the time to come ; and the father — the father stood silent 
and shook his head and feared to let thee go, not knowing what the foreigners 
might do to thee. {Gases doubtfully at Sabieh as though still wondering about 
the answer to that question.) 

Sabieh: (/ inpatient.) Nazlu, when wilt thou understand? the foreigners are 
not evil spirits. They are men and women as we are, only much, much wiser. We, 
too, might be wise, if we had a chance, but now — oh, they make us stupid! 

Nazlu : Did the books tell thee that ? 

Sabieh: Do I need books to tell me that? Do I not hear and see it all 
day long? What say the men? What says the Koran? Women are but animals 
to work with their hands and slave that men may live ! 

Nazlu: But, Sabieh, we are not as men. Allah gave men the brains. He 
had none left for us. Wouldst thou complain that Allah made us stupid? 

Sabieh: If Allah made us stupid, how came it that I could read and write 
and learn many things of which our father and the men of this village know 
nothing? 

Nazlu : 'Twas the foreign devils who did strange things to thee. 'Women 
cannot learn such things unless they are bewitched. Didst thou not say thyself 
that at the school they put thee on a table and cut a hole in thy arm, and it gave 
thee no pain? They put their poison in thee then, and thou knewest it not because 
of their evil spells. 

Sabieh : Nay, Nazlu, I told thee they did but cure me of a sickness. See 
where the black plague covered my arm there is nothing but a tiny scar. 

Nazlu: Alas, my sister, that is their mark! As long as it remains, thou art 
in their power ! 

Sabieh : Stupid, oh stupid ! The men are right. Thou makest me believe 
that thou canst not understand. (Pushes aside work and springs to her feet, comes 
to front, throwing out her hands in despair.) Will they never learn? Can I 
never make them understand? Why did Allah ever let me go to school, if this is 
all it is to mean now? (Goes to windozv. Silence in room.) 



8 ' BROKEN CHAINS 

Nazlu : (Goes to Sabieh, points out window.) The sun is low, sister, and 
the men will soon return. Wilt thou finish the rice, while I go for water? (Exit 
Nazlu; Sabieh at work. Mother and Fatima enter, chattering gossip, begin to 
prepare meal over fire at side. Re-enter Nazlu with full pails of water. ) 

Mother: Stir the pot, neighbor. The fire is hot. Here, Nazlu, give me the 
water, and go to the baby. She is crying for thee. 

Fatima: The brat! What a pity it is a girl, and thy husband ' dead, too! 
The Fates are against thee, Nazlu. 

Nazlu: (Weeping.) What can I do, good neighbor, I did not want a girl. It 
is the will of Allah. 

Sabieh: (Comes to her.) Don't cry, Nazlu. A little girl is a very precious 
thing. The foreigners told me so, and they know. 

Nazlu : But every one says I am accursed. 

Sabieh : Never mind what they say. They do not know. I am going to 
teach thee and little Sachda. Some day we shall be very proud of her. Now go, 
and begin by loving her as though she were a boy. ( Puts arm around Nazlu and 
walks back with her. Exit Nazlu. Sabieh returns to center with eyes shining, 
manner brightened, so that her mother looks at her anxiously.) 

Mother: Art thou sick, daughter? 

Fatima: Nay, nay, 'tis no ordinary sickness that troubles thy daughter, 
Gul Hanum ! She has the foreigners' disease. I know it, for I have seen it in 
Stamboul, but little did I think that a neighbor of mine would come under the evil 

spell ! 

Mother: (Alarmed.) What meanest thou, Fatima? She has often been 
strange of late, but I thought it would pass away. 

Fatima: Nay, nay, 'twill never pass away! 'Tis spirits she has, that will 
not let her talk for an hour at a time, and the day will come when they will not 
let her talk at all. (Re-enter Nazlu, with baby.) 

Sabieh: Thou mistakest, Fatima, I will tell thee. (Interrupted by return 
of men. Enter Osmau. ) 

Osman: Peace, my children. (To Sabieh.) Some water, daughter. (Goes 
to side to wash. Women prepare meal, silent, subdued. Call to Prayer, Osman 
prostrates himself.) Is the meal prepared? 

Mother: Yes, effendi. Be seated. (Meal hastily set on low table, Osman sits 
on mat. Women retire to back, Sabieh remains.) 

Sabieh: My father, why must thou eat alone? 

Osman: Who should eat with me, daughter? Allah gave me neither son nor 
grandson to sit at my table. 

Sabieh : But, my father, thou hast a wife and daughters, and are they not 
fit to eat with thee? 

Women : Hear her ! 

Mother: She would make herself equal to the men! She is surely bewitched. 
Send her away, effendi! (Osman silences them with a gesture.) 

Osman: What wouldst thou, daughter? Speak. 



BROKEN CHAINS o 

Sabieh : Father, for these three weeks have I stood by and watched all 
things go on in their accustomed manner, and all that time thou hast sat here 
alone, while we women stood by, unfit to eat until thou hadst finished. Father, 
thou hast been lonely, and hast longed for a son. Thou hast no son, but take thy 
daughter in his stead. Let me eat with thee. Surely it is no disgrace for a woman 
to eat as well as a man, and surely thou art not afraid to see me eat the food I 
have myself prepared. Let me, my father ! (IV omen scream again. Osman gaces 
at Sabieh in silence.) 

Osman: (To himself.) After all, why should she not? What harm would 
it do?" (Aloud.) Sabieh, thou shalt do as thou desirest. Come and sit beside me, 
daughter. (Sabieh sits do:en. They eat. women watch furtively, expecting to see 
Sabieh struck dead for such flagrant violation of custom. They whisper. Nothing 
happens. Conversation resumed.) 

Osman : Husein tells me our grain will bring a fair price in Konia this year. 
I am glad I sent Abdul with the donkeys early. 

Sabieh: When does he return, father? 

Osman: In five days, if Allah wills, and the going be good. 

Nazlu: Then we shall be preparing for thy wedding, sister. That cannot be 
far off now that thou art returned. Allah grant you better luck than mine ! 

Mother: Yea, Enver will be demanding his bride ere long, I doubt not. And 
it is high time of a truth, for thou art almost old enough to disgrace us, Sabieh, 
being yet unmarried. 

Osman: (Stops smoking.) Enver has already asked for thee, daughter. 

Sabieh: What didst thou answer him, father? 

Osman: I answered him nothing, for he has not yet brought the price 1 
asked. But when he comes again, thou must be ready. 

Sabieh : Must I, my father ? 

Osman: (Startled.) Must thou? Why, what dost thou want? Thou art 
overbold, Sabieh. 

Sabieh : Nay, father, not that ; only true. Wouldst thou have me do that 
which I cannot do truly? 

Osman: (Perplexed.) Why wouldst thou wait? As the mother has said, 
thou art already beyond the age. Thou art a lucky girl to get a husband so easily, 
but the man to whom I give thee is lucky, too, for thou art a worthy woman. 

Sabieh : Then, father, if I am worthy of thy praise, let me live with thee. 
Do not send me away. I do not want to marry yet. 

Osman: But, daughter, thou hast been promised to Enver since childhood 
and he grows impatient. 

Sabieh: Oh, father, I cannot do this — I cannot marry Enver! (Women 
astonished, stop work, silent.) 

Osman: (Sternly.) Sabieh, I have chosen for thee long since: thou hast 
nothing to say in the matter. 

Sabieh : But I have, father, surely I have. It is I that marry him, not thou. 
What is it to thee whom I marry? And why should I be forced to marry a man 
I do not know, yet whom I hate with all my soul ? Oh, it is cruel, cruel, that 
thou shouldst throw me out of thy house to be a slave to a man who knows nothing 



io BROKEN CHAINS 

and cares nothing about me, but that I should work for him ! Father, I will not 
do it! 

Women: Oh — oh— oh ! The spirits are upon her! Allah have pity upon us! 
What shall we do? (Fatima advances, shaking her fist in Sabieh' s face. ) 

Fatima: Ungrateful girl! The plague seize thee! First thou wouldst eat 
with men, and now thou wilt not marry unless it pleases thee! Thou wouldst set 
thyself up to be better than us, and better than the men — and wouldst curse us 
with thy evil spell. May Allah cause thee to be husbandless and childless all thy 
days, if thou so defy thy father's will! May heaven curse thy impudence ! 

Sabieh : (Raising her hand, interrupts.) Thou knowest not what thou sayest, 
else would I fain strike thee. Thou, too, art stupid. You are all stupid and under- 
stand not. Allah will not hear your evil words. I will not, I tell you, I will not 
be dragged to any man's house to be his slave ! You would sell me like a cow 
among you all — 1, who am a woman, who would live as a woman- should. Father, 
I will not marry Enver ! (Sabieh rushes from room. Women wring their liands. 
Osman breathless with amazement, yet thrilled with pride at her courage.) 

Mother: Oh, how terrible! What evil will befall this house next? 

Fatima: It is the curse, the foreigners' curse! Did I not tell thee? 

Nazlu : How dare she ! And yet — and yet, she said I was not accursed. 
What does she mean ? How does she know these things ? 

Osman: It is time women-folk were in bed. Get you gone, — but hear, I will 
not have you pester Sabieh. Let the girl alone. (Women go out.) 

Osman : (Alone.) I bade Enver return after three weeks. I would I had said 
three months. She is not ready yet, and I cannot drive her like the others. 
Almost she makes me believe she has rights like a man. But she is a girl, and 
what can I do with such a daughter ? 

INTERMISSION 



PART I, Scene 2 

Village street. Store at back, storekeeper sitting behind counter. Beggar 
crouching in doorway. Street vender passes, calling his wares. Women veiled 
pass across. Boys playing. Enter villagers, approach shop. 

First Villager : What barley hast thou to-day, Husein Agha? Anything fit 
for beasts to eat ? 

Shopkeeper: Welcome, neighbor! Thou hast been gone a number of days 
from Kooroo Keoy. Hast thou forgotten my barley in that time? 

Second Villager: We have not forgotten the stones in it. We got some at 
Ekber two days since which was like clover to the donkeys. Canst thou give us 
its like? 

Shopkeeper: Who ever came to Husein's shop and went unsatisfied? What 
traveling did ye find on the roads? 

First Villager: Good! 'Tis dusty and dry, but who cares if it be not mud a 
foot deep? Show us thy barley. 

Shopkeeper: Yavash, yavash ! What is thy hurry? There are many hours of 
the day before us, and I would hear the news. Did ye see Kaibal in Stamboul? 



BROKEN CHAINS n 

Second Villager : Nay, he was gone ere we came. Men say the government 
sent him on business to Konia, but none know truly. We heard 

First Villager: Enough of thy tales, friend. We have work in hand and 
must get on. Where is thy barley, Husein, or is thy supply run out? 

Shopkeeper: Thou art impatient, neighbor. But here it is, and fine barley, 
too. 

Second Villager : Bah ! What stuff ! Fit only for pigs, which, thanks be to 
Allah, I am too good a Moslem to deal in. 

Shopkeeper: Dog! Do you insult me? That is good barley, every grain. 

First Villager : It is more than half gravel. We can get better at the next 
village easily. What sayest thou, comrade, shall we try there ? 

Second Villager : By all means ! No wonder he has plenty, if it is all like 
this. No one will buy. 

Shopkeeper: Liar! What wouldst thou have? Where canst thou find better 
grain than that? Men come daily to procure supplies. No one goes without 
buying. Thou mayest thank Allah that he brought thee here to get my barley. 

First Villager : W T ell, tell us the price. For what wilt thou sell that dirt ? 

Shopkeeper: The choicest grain in the country is sold for a mere nothing. 
Sold, did I say? Given away, rather, given away for a few paltry paras. 

First Villager : But the price. Name it, blockhead. 

Shopkeeper : Well, times are hard, thou knowest. A man must live. Five 
piasters the measure, I should say, would be cheap. 

Second Villager : Five piasters ! Cheap ! Dost think thou canst cheat us ? 

First Villager : Come, comrade, we shall do better elsewhere. The beasts 
can wait. 

Second Villager: Assuredly, let us go. {They move off slowly.) 

Shopkeeper: (Calling.) Hey, come back! Let us talk further. I will give 
it for four piasters, since we are friends. {Villagers return.) 

First Villager: One piaster, Husein, will buy thee three measures. It should 
buy us one at least. 

Second Villager : At Ekber we paid a song for the finest, fattest grain I 
ever saw. Why should we pay more for this ? 

Shopkeeper : Thou knowest the rains were light this year. Barley comes 
high for me. I cannot do better by you than three piasters. That does not even 
pay my expense, I swear it to you. 

First Villager: One piaster, twenty paras then. Wilt thou agree to that? 

Shopkeeper: Dost thou want my children to starve and me to be a beggar? 
Two piasters, twenty paras is the best I can do. How much will you have? 

Second Villager: None at thy price. We are not ready yet to give thee so 
much baksheesh. 

First Villager : Well, then, two piasters, I say. That is twice what it should 
be, but I cannot wait all day. 



12 BROKEN CHAINS 

Shopkeeper : Two piasters, very well. You are robbing me, but I will give 
it for that, since it is you. {While grain is being measured out, Ahmet enters, 
passing beggar. Villagers go out.) 

Beggar : Have pity on a miserable old man ! I am blind, and my wife is sick, 
and we have twelve children at home dying of starvation. Allah will lay it up 
for thee in heaven, if thou wilt hear me. Ten paras, effendi, ten paras! (Ahmet 
drops coin in his hand.) I kiss the ground under thy feet, effendi. May Allah 
give thee fifty sons! (Ahmet approaches shop. Beggar keeps up continued groans, 
cries for alms, " baksheesh." etc., all during scene.) 

Ahmet: Good day, friend. May thy business prosper! 

Shopkeeper: It is a good day indeed that brings thee here, Ahmet effendi. 

Ahmet: It is long since I have had occasion to pass this way. I am glad 
thou dost remember me. Hast thou now some tobacco for me? 

Shopkeeper: Indeed, I have the best tobacco. There is this, or here is some 
of better quality. Yea, even Enver, who has been much in Stamboul, swears he 
never tasted its like. 

Ahmet: And who is this Enver, that I should take his recommendation? 

Shopkeeper: Enver? He is the son of Yoosuf of Avrat. A clever man 
and better as friend than enemy. Thou wouldst do well to watch him, if ever 
there were aught between you. 

Ahmet: At any rate I need not watch a man whom I do not even know. I 
will have some of Enver's tobacco, however. 

Shopkeeper: Here he comes himself. (Enter Enver.) Good day, neighbor. 
What wouldst thou? 

Enver : Nothing, I thank thee. I came to hear the gossip. There is always 
fresh gossip when strangers are about. 

Shopkeeper : Ahmet here is from Konia. He may have news to tell. 

Ahmet: Rumors, rumors — that is all one hears, and one may not even men- 
tion them, for walls often have ears in these days. Here comes one, however, who 
will bring us something different, if I mistake not. (Enter colporteur with Bibles.) 
Good day, friend. Stop and rest with us. 

Colporteur : I thank thee. Heaven requite thee for thy courtesy. Indeed, 
thou art rewarded already, for I have that in my bag here which ye would all 
do well to own. 

Enver: What is it? We are curious. 

Colporteur: I will show thee. (Takes out Bible.) Many years ago there 
was a man who lived and cared for other people. Mohammed himself knew him 
for a great prophet. What Mohammed knew, ye would do well to know. This 
book tells all about him. 

Enver: Is it Turkish? 

Colporteur : Assuredly. One of the foreigners translated it from his lan- 
guage. It is to the foreigners what the Koran is to good Mohammedans. I have 
seen foreigners buy and read the Koran : why should not we buy and read their 
book? I have read it and it is good. Wilt thou have one? 

Enver: Nay, I have heard the muezzin say that it is the foreigners who 
make all the trouble in this land. I'll have none of their books, good or bad. 



BROKEN CHAINS 13 

Ahmet: That is not true, friend. The foreigners have also brought us much 
good. 

Enver : How knowest thou ? 

Ahmet: I have seen it. Hast thou been in Stamboul and dost not know the 
foreigners' schools ? 

Enver : They are not for Mohammedans. They are for dogs of Christians, 
for whose presence Mohammed (Allah rest his soul!) has cursed this land. Even 
Turks. I hear, think new thoughts these days. 

Ahmet: It is well if the foreigners have brought us that. But more, dost 
thou know nothing of the foreign doctors and what they are doing? 

Shopkeeper: Yea, verily, thou art right, Ahmet. My son was shot in a 
brawl, and the foreign doctor at Konia cured him as by magic, when we thought 
him dead. 

Colporteur: It is because of this Book and what it tells that they come to 
us to help with their medicine and their education. 

Ahmet: How much is the Book, my friend? 

Colporteur: Two piasters, effendi. 

Shopkeeper: That is overly much for such a small thing. 

Ahmet: Nay, Husein. We do not bargain here. The foreigners have only 
one price and change it not. 

Shopkeeper: Indeed! And how can they do any business? It requires no 
cleverness at all with them then. 

Ahmet: Their ways are different from ours, but they are not all bad. I was 
in one of their schools for a time, and learned many things. They used this 
Book daily there, and I have often wished to see it again. I will have one from 
thee now. (Pays and takes Testament.) 

Colporteur: Will any one else have one? Nay? well, then I must get on 
my way. How far is it to Ekber? 

Shopkeeper: Two hours' walk, if thou goest by the Well. 

Colporteur : Thanks. I shall be there before dark. Farewell to you all. 

(Colporteur departs.) 

Ahmet: I, too, must away. I am for Stamboul in a day or two, but mean- 
while I have business here. Tell me, dost thou know Osman, him they call of 
the Stern Hand? 

Shopkeeper: Osman of Kooroo Keoy? Surely he is the chief man here- 
abouts, and a good friend of mine. Hast thou business with him? 

Ahmet: Yea, I was told he might buy, if I could gain his ear. 

Shopkeeper: If thou couldst gain his ear, thou mightest perchance gain 
something else. He has two pretty daughters, one a widow, but the other yet 
unmarried, though promised. 

Enver: (To himself.) Ha! Who speaks of Osman's daughters? I must 
hear this. 



i 4 BROKEN CHAINS 

Shopkeeper : 'Tis a great tale about the younger one. She was almost of 
age to marry when she persuaded Osman efrendi to let her go to the American 
School in Stamboul. She is only just returned, and a pretty mess she brings 
with her, they say. She will do this, and she will not do that. Osman himself has 
his hands full. They say she is very beautiful, but who wants a girl with a will 
of her own? It must be broken, else she will never marry. 

Ahmet: An interesting tale, my friend. 'Tis the same girl I think I knew 
of when I was in Stamboul. I should like to know more. This Osman is her 
father, thou sayest? 

Shopkeeper: Yea, that is his house down yonder. 

Ahmet: Very good. I shall seek him later, but first I must return to the 
inn. Fare thee well. 

Shopkeeper: Farewell, Ahmet. Visit me again ere thou goest. (Ahmet goes 
out. Enter Fatima, heavily veiled, and engages in bargaining with shopkeeper.) 

Enver : (Aside.) That dog of a Bible-Turk careth too much about Osman 
and his daughter. So he has heard of her, and seen her doubtless in Stamboul, 
and desires to know more ! We'll see about that ! This affair is complicated 
enough as it is, what with Sabieh's absurd whim of school and the tales they 
tell of her now, and I will not have interfering men around that house. There 
is a way to silence all interference, and I am not afraid to try it. I must follow 
and watch him. (Enter spies.) But wait — six eyes are better than two. I'll get 
me help. (To spies.) Ho, there! A word with you! (Spies approach, all three 
confer at front alone. Shopkeeper busy, beggar mumbling.) 

First Spy : What wouldst thou ? 

Enver: Know ye this stranger who is come hither, Ahmet they call him? 

First Spy : Yea, we know him. He talked here with Husein. 

Enver : I have reason to believe he is more than what he seems. I would 
ye should follow and watch him. He goes to Osman's house before long. Bring 
me word at the Well to-night of his speech and actions and I will have this for 
thee. (Holds up coin.) 

Second Spy: Osman's house, thou sayest? 

Enver: Yea, and hearken! If ye can also bring me aught of his daughter, 
the younger one, I will double the reward. 

First Spy : It shall be done. Only fail not to have the money. 

Enver: To-night, then. Farewell. (He goes out.) 

First Spy: Didst ever see such luck, comrade? Hast thou told the chief that 
Osman's donkeys return on the morrow? 

Second Spy : Yea, he has men already there in the pass. It will go hard with 
him if we get not a goodly portion of the plunder. 

First Spy : And if Enver pay us not well we can show Osman a thing or two, 
perhaps. Remember that! But come away. We must find Ahmet. Go thou to 
the garden, and I will meet thee there by the Well. (They go out.) 

INTERMISSION 



BROKEN CHAINS 15 

PART II, Scene i 

Street outside Osman's house. Night. Window. Nazlu's voice heard behind 
scenes singing lullaby to baby in the dark. Enter Ahmet cautiously. 

Ahmet: This is the house, he said. I will wait here and watch. (Draws into 
shadow. Nazlu's singing ends.) 

Nazlu : The baby is asleep, Sabieh. I shall take her to the room across 
the court, where it is quiet. 

Sabieh : Yes, do, sister, and sleep thyself. The little one makes thy nights 
all too short. Is the mother in bed? 

Nazlu : Yea, ever since our father went out. Canst thou not go to bed, too, 
Sabieh ? Thou art tired these days. 

Sabieh : Not with work, only with waiting. I have too many thoughts to 
sleep, Nazlu, but only thou knowest. Because of the little one, thou art beginning 
to understand. Good night. 

Nazlu: Good night. Allah give thee sweet dreams! (Nazlu goes out with 
baby. Sabieh. heard moving, conies to window, leans head against lattice, sighing 
deeply.) 

Sabieh: Will this dreariness never end? Only when I cheer Nazlu for the 
babe's sake have I any joy left. Would I were in school again! But I must stay. 
They need me, and yet I do nothing. (Ahmet moves forward). Sabieh sees a 
man and moves back with quick gasp. Ahmet is by window, speaking in loiv 
intense voice.) 

Ahmet: Sabieh, wait. Do not flee. Dost thou not know me? 

Sabieh : I cannot believe thou art 

Ahmet: But I am. Fear not. For a moment let us speak. I heard thy 
father is out, all are asleep. Hast thou no word for me after this long waiting? 

Sabieh: Oh, art thou really thyself? I fear to trust thy voice, or speak 
thy name. I am sure there must be spies about. (Spy appears a moment at right 
behind .linnet, unseen by speakers. Disappears.) 

Ahmet: Nay, little one, fear not. None know me for what I would be to 
thee. We have only a moment. Let me feel thy hand, and know it is thou. 

Sabieh: Oh, Ahmet, I have so longed for this! What thinkest thou to do? 

Ahmet: Sabieh, we cannot meet like this again. It is too dangerous for 
thee 

Sabieh : And for thee, too. Oh, I tremble so for thee i 

Ahmet: Nay, thou art very brave to face thy father as I have heard, and 
thou must keep thy courage now. Listen, I cannot wait longer, I shall see thy 
father to-morrow, and seek thy hand. What thinkest thou ? Will he hear me ? 

Sabieh : He will hear thee, he is always just, but further I do not know. 
He has been very kind of late, but he is old and slow to understand new things. 

Ahmet: Yea, I know that. 

Sabieh : Be careful what thou tellest him. Only a little at first. When 
we win him, we can tell him all perhaps. But now he must not know thou hast 
seen my face. 



16 BROKEN CHAINS 

Ahmet: Nay, I shall not forget. And, Sabieh, dost remember the for- 
eigners' Book at the school? 

Sabieh : I have it always with me. ■ {Enter Enver, creeping, dagger in hand, 
unseen. ) 

Ahmet: I, too, have it now. I am reading it, I find it good. Thou hast 
learned better prayers from it than from Islam. Forget not to pray Allah to 
help us. 

Sabieh: Thinkest thou I could forget that? But oh, beloved, I hear 
sounds! It may be my father returning. Leave me, 1 beg thee. (During con- 
versation Enver has crept stealthily nearer, and, unseen, is about to stab at this 
moment when sounds of voices become louder, and Ahmet is warned by Sabieh.) 

Sabieh : Stay not ! Run, Ahmet, as thou lovest me ! 

Ahmet: Fear not, Sabieh. Withdraw, I shall be safe. See, I go at once. 
( He goes out, just as party with Osmau enter from opposite side. Enver advances 
to meet Osman. ) 

Osman: Hey! What art thou doing about my house this time of night? 
Did I bid thee return in four days ? 

Enver: Nay, effendi, I crave thy forgiveness. I have a matter of interest to 
tell thee. May 1 speak? 

Osman: Explain first thy presence. 

Enver : I was passing here on my way home when I heard voices. I looked, 
but saw only one man, so I stood still and watched. 

Osman: Art thou a spy? 

Enver : Nay, surely not. But I feared this might concern thee closely because 
of something I heard this afternoon. 

Osman : Speak then, I am listening. 

Enver : Effendi, I watched and presently I saw this man below yonder 
window. He was talking and a woman's voice answered him. I was not near 
enough to see, but he was close to the lattice and he gazed boldly into the woman's 
face, and I heard him speak her name, and, effendi, it was thy daughter, Sabieh. 
upon whom he looked. 

Osman: (Angrily.) Have a care how thou speakest her name! 

Enver : I would not speak it, were I not sure. And, effendi, I think the man 
is a Young Turk and even perhaps a Christian. He bought a foreigners' Book 
this afternoon, and surely he cannot be a good Moslem to gaze unashamed upon 
a woman's face ! 

Osman: Thou sayest he saw my daughter? 

Enver : I would swear to it, effendi. 

Osman: (Furious.) Allah curse him for a pagan, then! He will ruin her 
beauty by gazing upon it. Who is he? Who is he? 

Enver : Ahmet they call him. He is of Angora. 

Osman: Where has he gone? Would I could strike him to the dust this 
moment ! How dare he ! 



BROKEN CHAINS 17 

Enver: He went when he heard thee coming, but he will return. He has 
business with thee to-morrow. 

Osman: Let him come, if he dare, let him come! I would see the man who 
has done this deed! He shall know a father's stern hand and righteous anger. 
(At doorway.) I would I could see him now! (Goes into house.) 

Enver: Ha! What need of spies further? I have ruined thee, Ahmet! 

INTERMISSION 

PART II, Scene 2 
Osman's house. Osman seated at side. Knock. 

Osman: Enter! (Enter Ahmet.) 

Ahmet: Osman Agha, I give thee joy — and peace to all thy family. 

Osman: I thank thee. Thou art ? 

Ahmet: I am Ahmet of Angora. Husein, the shopkeeper, knows me, if thou 
wouldst have word with him. 

Osman: (Stiffly.) I, too, know thee. What wouldst thou? 

Ahmet: I have come to ask a favor of thee, Osman Agha. It is well if thou 
knowest me. Thou hast a daughter? 

Osman: Yea, but what is that to thee? 

Ahmet: I have heard her highly praised both here and in Stamboul where 
thou didst send her to school. I am well known in Angora, and not unknown 
in Stamboul. I too have had some education from the Americans. I am come 
to ask the hand of thy daughter, Sabieh, in marriage. It is an honorable mar- 
riage I offer her, and 1 can pay as thou wilt. 

Osman: Honorable! Honorable! Thou! Thou, who hast gazed upon her 
face, to sully her purity! Thou art a dog, and the son of a dog! 

Ahmet: Those are not soft words, but I forgive thee. If thou canst show 
me wherein I have harmed her 

Osman: Harmed her! Art thou a Moslem, and dost ask that? For what 
would I refuse thee? For this, then, if thou knowest not thyself; for thy dis- 
regard of Mohammed's teachings, for thy boldness in defying Islam would I cast 
thee from the house ! Begone, before thou pollutest this place further ! Thou 
hast done enough evil for one day. (Storms up and down room during the con- 
versation.) 

Ahmet: But, Osman Agha, wilt thou not hear me? 

Osman: Why should I hear thy foul words? Nay, the curses of Mohammed 
fall upon thee! Get thee gone, I say, get thee gone, before I kick thee from my 
door ! 

Ahmet: (After a pause.) Thou dost not terrify me, Osman. Agha, I have 
done no evil, and some day thou wilt know. Ere long I shall come again, and then 
thou shalt listen to me. Fare thee well. (He goes out. Enter Sabieh, sits at 
table with work. Silence for a time, while Osman regains his self-control. Sabieh 
is very bright.) 

Sabieh : Father, thou shouldst have seen the little Sachda this morning. 
She is a sturdy babe, and full of sparkling laughter. She coos and smiles, and 



i8 BROKEN CHAINS 

soon I think sh<* will speak. She is very bright. She must go to school when 
she is older, and learn such things as I have learned and more. 

Osman: Tell me some of the things thou hast learned, Sabieh. What makes 
thee so different from the others ? 

Sabieh : Oh, I have learned many things about the world outside, and about 
our own great country, only our country is asleep, my father, is it not? 

Osman : Have a care how thou speakest, daughter. Spies are everywhere 
these days, ready to interpret any chance word as rebellion. 

Sabieh : Father, it is dreadful that we cannot speak as we think. That is 
one thing that makes me different. I long to say many things that I dare not 
for the spies. But the others — they have no thoughts beyond those which they 
utter. 

Osman: Yea, child, and thou hast strange thoughts at times. Why didst thou 
refuse to marry Enver, when we talked of him? 

Sabieh: Because, father (She leaves work, sits at Osuiaii's feet.), that is 
one of the things I learned at school. There was a lady there — dost thou remember 
her, the tall one in a white dress? — who smiled and took my hand when thou 
didst leave me? A man wished to marry her once, and he was good and rich, 
but he did not love her, nor she him, and she would not have him. She says 
it is wrong to marry when there is no love. Nay, do not interrupt me, father, 
I have not finished. — She told me often that girls are of as much use in the 
world as boys, and I know it is true. And because I know it is true, I cannot 
bury myself where there is no place for me to live. I cannot love Enver; he 
cannot love me. Why should we marry? 

Osman: W T hat is the meaning of love, Sabieh? Thou hast used that word 
so often I would know what thou meanest. 

Sabieh : When I begged thee to let me go with the American lady to her 
school, and I cried and coaxed until thou didst yield to my wish, wouldst thou 
not rather have kept me beside thee? Thou didst refuse my request for many 
days, because thou didst need me. And when I was gone the mother told me 
that thou wast sad for a long time. Why was that, my father? 

Osman : Because thou wast my daughter, and I feared for thee. 

Sabieh : Because thou didst love me, father, thou didst fear for me. And 
I — I cared not to stay here at first, for home was nothing to me then. But when 
I had been away some time, 1 wanted to see my father, and I cried because I 
could not. But the tall lady comforted me, and showed me how to work and 
wait that I might be a better daughter to thee. Now that I have come home my 
great wish is to please thee. Dost thou not see that I love thee? 

Osman : Yea, my daughter, thou art indeed a good child to me. But what, 
then, of Enver? 

Sabieh: Nothing, nothing! — I would not marry until I love a man, as I 
have told thee love should be. 

Osman: Those are strange words, Sabieh. Knowest thou the man thou 
wouldst marry? 

Sabieh : Yea, father. But I may not tell thee his name now. 

Osman : How didst thou know him? 

Sabieh : It was at the school. One day when we were all at work some 
visitors came in, and this man was among them. They forgot to veil my face, 



BROKEN CHAINS r 9 

and I cared not, for why should I when the other girls do not? And when I 
saw him I felt suddenly very strange, and I could not understand it. Then later 
I passed him in the garden and he looked at me. We said nothing, but I did not 
mind that he looked at me. Afterward I thought about him and wondered that 
I did not forget him. 

Osman: (Slower.) He looked at thee then, and thou suffered no hurt any 
time since? 

Sabieh : Nay, why should I? How can we know if we love one another, 
if we see each other not? 

Osman : Almost thou persuadest me that love is good. But a stranger — 
whom 1 do not know ! How can such a thing be ? 

Sabieh: Canst thou not trust me, and let me wait? 

Osman: Well, as thou wilt. But not too long; thou art getting old. (Enter 
Mother and Nadu. To Nazlu.) Daughter, bid Mooharem bring the donkey to 
the door. (Nadu goes out.) Abdul returns to-day, if Allah wills, and I go to 
meet him on the way. 

Sabieh: Thou wilt take Mooharem with thee, wilt thou not, father? 

Osman : Nay, he has work here. 

Nazlu : (Re-entering.) The beasts are ready. 

Osman: Farewell, then. I return before dark. (He goes out.) 

Nazlu: Sabieh, hast thou seen the men that have been hanging around this 
house? 

Sabieh : What men ? 

Nazlu : Why, I know not. Only I saw one climb the garden wall. 

Mother : They must be spies, and the effendi is away ! I am afraid ! 

( Enter Fatima.) 

Fatima: Afraid of what, neighbor? We have more need to fear the spells 
thy daughter may cast than aught else. 

Nazlu : Nay, Fatima, thou shalt not speak so of Sabieh. She is far wiser 
than we. 

Fatima: Wiser? Yea, wise as the serpent in evil. Art thou wise enough 
to know the truth of the tales they tell in the market-place? 

Mother : What tales ? 

Fatima: That there are thieves abroad in the pass, lying in wait for the 
travelers from Konia. 

Mother : Oh, say not so, neighbor ! Osman himself went to the pass but a 
few hours since. (Knock at door. Nadu goes.) Sabieh, is there really danger? 

Sabieh : I hope not, but I wish Mooharem had gone with father. 

Nazlu: (Re-entering.) A street vender is at the door with laces and em- 
broideries. Shall we see him, mother? He may have news. 



2 o BROKEN CHAINS 

Mother : Yea, let him come. 

(Nadu summons him. Women veil faces. Enter vender.) 

Vender : Good day, ladies. A blessing on this house. 

Mother: What hast thou to show us? 

Vender: Many beautiful things, some from Mekka itself, and all from 
Stamboul. I have walked many an hour to come here, but men told me that at 
Osman's house I should find women who knew the best silks and would buy. 

Sabieh : Canst thou tell us the truth of the rumors we hear? 

Vender: Honored lady, I have heard men say that there are robber bands 
abroad. — See, is this not a marvelous scarf for a beautiful lady? It would become 
thee, madam, I could swear. 

Sabieh : Thanks, it is very handsome. But tell me more. Knowest thou 
aught else? 

Vender : Nay, some say this, and some say that. — Here is a cover from 
Mekka, very valuable. Does it not like you? 

Mother: I like this one better, but that is from Mekka, thou sayest? 

Vender: Yea, not a doubt of it. See this stain in the corner. That marks 
it genuine. 

Fatima: How much is it? 

Vender: That is for thee to say. Thou knowest best. Look how it glitters 
in the light ! 

Sabieh: I would I knew if these tales be true! — Hark, what is that? 

(Noise outside. Door bursts open. Villager rushes in.) 

Villager : Thieves ! Murderers ! Osman is killed ! The money is stolen ! 
Alas ! Alas ! 

Mother : What sayest thou ? ) 

Naz'lu : Murderers! )• (All together.) 

Fatima: The money stolen! ) 

Sabieh: My father! Nay, it cannot be. (Shakes man who is on his knees. 
Women wail.) Stop thy babblings and tell us what thou knowest. 

Villager : Yes, lady. We were coming through the pass with Osman's 
donkeys. I was behind, for my saddle had slipped. I saw Osman meet the party 
and all turn to ride on together. Then I heard a great shout and a band of men 
rushed upon them from the rocks. I fled and hid myself in a valley. What could 
I do? I was one, and they were many. When the noise had ceased, I ventured 
forth and lo — all were gone, men, donkeys, and thieves ! One donkey they had 
left dead, and the rest they had taken. I searched for Osman, but could not find 
him. So I came in haste to bring you word. Doubtless they took him for the 
booty and killed him later. 

Mother: Allah, Allah have pity! What will become of us? What have 
we done? 

Fatima: I will tell thee. It is all due to that girl's spells. (Points at 
Sabieh.) Did I not tell thee we should be accursed because of her? 



BROKEN CHAINS 21 

Sabieh : That last is a lie.— But oh, what a land is this ! Is there none to 
help ? 

INTERMISSION 

PART III, Scene i 

A month later. Osman's house. Women at work in room. Nazlu singing 

lullaby to baby. 

Sabieh : Here, Nazlu, let Sachda come to me for a little. I want to play 
with her, and forget things for a while. 

Nazlu: (Gives baby to her.) I am glad at least that she does not know all 
that has happened in this house. 

Mother: What difference whether now or later? It is always like this. 
Either our men are taken, or we fear they will be, or we die under the taxes. A 
few years and the child will know the misery of living as well as we. 

Nazlu : Oh, mother, nay ! She must not. Sabieh, dost think it will always 
be like this? Must Sachda grow up to nothing better? 

Sabieh : I cannot believe it, sister. Something will happen. Something 
must be done. Surely the foreigners — but nay, I know not what to think. If 
the father is dead, if he never comes back, we must all work that Sachda mav 
go to school. At least she will have that joy. 

Nazlu : Yes, she shall be like thee, Sabieh. 

Sabieh : Mother, do not despair. Allah will not forget us utterly. In the 
foreigners' Book it says that he cares for even the women, and I believe it is true. 
I think he will send our father back to us. 

Mother: What has Allah to do with women? If Sachda were a boy there 
might be some hope, but now (Enter Fatima.) Welcome, neighbor. 

Sabieh: Hast thou any gossip to cheer the mother? We are weary with 
waiting. 

Fatima: There is talk on the street that Ali's robber band may be 
captured. None know, however. And others tell of a new foreign wonder, or 
of a street brawl in some city. 

Nazlu: What do they say? 

Fatima: Somebody says something may happen, but I know not who or 
what. And now everybody knows all about it and has much to say, but can tell 
nothing. 

Sabieh: What does Husein, the shopkeeper, say? 

Fatima : He looks wise and says nothing, for he knows nothing to say 
more than we. 

(Knock at door. Enver enters uninvited. Women veil.) 

Enver: As Osman's friend I give you all greeting. 

Mother : We know not wherefore thou comest. 

Enver: Your grief is my grief, good lady. Do I not count as one of the 
family? 



22 BROKEN CHAINS 

Mother: Hast thou business, then? Husein will attend to that. 

Enver : Thou mistakest. It is no money matter now. Didst thou not know 
that Enver was dear to Osman as the apple of his eye, and therefore he would 
give me his favorite daughter for wife? (Sabich tries to slip out, but he blocks 
her.) Why wilt thou flee, pretty one? Art afraid of me? 

Sabieh : Afraid of thee? Nay, but I stay not in the presence of dogs. 
Let me by. 

Enver : Softly, softly, little one. I am master here in thy father's absence 
and not thou. Thou wilt not go unless it pleases me, and now it does not please 
me. Thou hast dallied long enough. The time thy father set is up. I am come 
for thee. 

Sabieh: (Scornful.) Oh, thou friend of my father! A friend indeed 
creeps into his house like a snake and steals away his treasures in his absence ! 
Of a truth, I love thy friendship, thou double-lipped! 

Enver: So thou sneerest ! Ha, thinkest thou I am a weakling? I tell thee 
I do not leave this house without thee. — Giil Hanum, hast thou any word that 
can keep back from me my possessions? Thou knowest she is mine. Give her 
to me, or I take her. 

Mother : Alas ! I know not what to do. Osman did say thou shouldst have 
her, but he is not here — he is dead, they say — I am a poor old woman, how should 
I know? 

Nazlu : Nay, mother, let her not go so. Bid him wait and come later with 
Husein. 

Fatima: Why delay? You will not have bread enough for yourselves, if 
Osman is dead. One less is one less mouth to fill. She is promised to him. Let 
her go, I say. 

Mother: But she likes it not. How can I force her? 

Fatima : Bah ! A girl has no likes ! Make her go. 

Sabieh: (Breaks away, but Enver catches her.) Will none of you but Nazlu 
stand by me? Then I will not wait to hear more. 

Enver : Wilt thou not, indeed ? I have another thought. 

(Commotion outside, heard only by Nazlu. At this moment door opens and Osman 

enters, leaning on stick.) 

Women : Father ! Osman ! Effendi ! Thou ! 

Osman: Yea, I. Wherefore such astonishment? 

Sabieh : Oh, father, we thought thee dead ! 

Mother: Heaven be praised! ) (T thcr) 
Nazlu: It is surely a dream! ) 

Osman: Heard ye no word? Had ye not my letter? 

Sabieh: Letter? We had no letter. We had no word since Abdul told us 
of the encounter in the pass. Oh, father, to think thou art alive ! 

Osman : Something is wrong here. From his own lips I know that Ahmet 
sent thee word. (Sees Enver, who has slid to rear.) Ha! art thou here? 



BROKEN CHAINS 23 

Enver : Where should I be but with thy children in sorrow ? We grieved 
over thee as lost, effendi. The letter must have gone astray. 

Osman : Well, perhaps. But I have other thoughts concerning thy desires 
than I had before. 1 have been in the American hospital this month past. 

Sabieh : Father ! Oh, I am so glad ! Thou wast hurt then, and they made 
thee well? 

Osman : Yea, as never man was made well before. I never thought to go 

to heaven before I died. And Ahmet (Sound of many footsteps outside.) 

But he comes himself, for he accompanied me. Go, my children, I will send for 
you presently. (The women go out.) 

(Enter Ahmet and villagers.) 

Ahmet: Thou didst find all here in peace and safety, effendi? 

Osman : All are well. Thou art welcome in my house, my son. Knowest 
thou Enver, son to Yoosuf of Avrat? 

Ahmet: We have met before. — Osman Agha, I wait no longer. Hitherto I 
have not asked thee, bearing in mind thy refusal. But I am glad to stand before 
thee once again, and with the same request upon my lips. Once thou wert angry 
when I asked thee for thy daughter. But to-day we have broken the chains of 
death before the eyes of thy neighbors. May we not break more? Wouldst thou 
deny me yet again when I ask thee for thy daughter? 

Enver: Wilt thou listen to him and not to me, effendi? What can he do for 
thee that I will not do? She is promised me, and besides I have the price at hand. 

Osman : Insolence ! Thinkest thou my daughter is so much barley to be bar- 
tered between you? 

Enver: But, effendi (Interrupted by entrance of shopkeeper with the 

spies.) 

Shopkeeper: Welcome, Osman Agha. It is a great day that brings thee back 
again. Yet forgive me if my rejoicings are quiet for a moment. I found these 
two men under the wall as I came hither. Enver had not paid them enough and 
their mouths were not quite stopped. 

Osman: Enver? This is matter which needs attention. (To spies.) What 
say ye ? Speak ! 

First Spy : Give us first thy promise of protection, Osman Agha. We speak 
for love of thee. 

Osman: Save thy. words, wretch. I know what thou dost wish. You shall 
be satisfied. Out with the matter ! My impatience grows. 

First Spy : Effendi, didst thou not send a letter to bring news of thy well- 
being? 

Osman : Yea, it is that letter that I seek. I have it from the women that 
no word was received from Ahmet. 

Ahmet: What! They knew not thou wert safe? 

First Spy : They could not know, for he kept back the word. (Pointing at 
Enver.) The travelers who had the letter were in haste and wished not to stop. 
Hp said he was a friend and would deliver it for them. 

Osman: (To Enver.) Dog! Is that thy friendship? 

Enver: They lie, effendi. What should they know of letters and whom they 
concern ? 



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Osman : The story fits thee too well. It is of a piece with thy sneaking, 
skulking ways. (JVith increasing heat.) Yea, and moreover I said in the letter 
that Husein should bid thee wait till I returned, for my thoughts were changed 
concerning thee. Therefore thou thoughtest to get before my coming what I 
might not be prepared to give thee. I found thee polluting my house with thy 
presence unbidden. Ha! I will know the truth of this. Search him, neighbors. 
( They seize him in spite of his struggles, and produce a dirty letter from his 
garments.) 

Shopkeeper: Here, effendi, is this it? 

Ahmet: That is it. I sent it myself. What treachery is here? 

Osman: (To Enver.) Thou insolent cur! And with that blackness in thy 
heart thou didst dare to ask me for my daughter? I tell thee my eyes have been 
opened by the foreigners in these weeks, and where I cursed Ahmet before, I 
curse thee now. (Enver tries to protest.) Nay, stay not for further words. 
Begone ! Take him away, neighbors. 

(Villagers hustle Enver out.) 

Enver : But, effendi, the money 

Osman: Thy money, dog! Curse thee for that word. I do not sell my 
daughter. (Door closes on Enver. Villagers return.) 

Ahmet: And now, effendi 

Osman: A moment, my son. (Raises voice.) Daughter! 

Sabieh : (Within.) Yea, father. 

Osman: Bid thy mother and the others come hither. (To men.) What I 
have to say concerns both them and us. (Enter women, veiled.) Neighbors, the 
thieves beat me and left me for dead. Thus Ahmet found me. He took me to 
the foreign doctor, who gave me back my life. — Sabieh, come to me. (Sabieh 
goes forward.) My daughter, thou needest not to tell me the name of him whom 
thou wouldst marry. I have seen and guessed. Is this not he? (Sabieh nods.) 
Art thou ready to go with him now, Sabieh ? 

Sabieh: My father !— But Enver ? 

Osman : Forget Enver, daughter. I have but now sent him from me. He 
will trouble thee no more. (To Ahmet.) My son, Sabieh and the foreigners 
have taught me much that I did not know before, when first thou didst ask me 
for her hand. I have seen what love is, and I find it good. Nothing but love 
can make strange men and women do for a man what they did for me in the 
American hospital. Because thou didst save my life, I owe thee a debt. But 
because here, too, I find love, I give my daughter to thee gladly. (Eeads Sabieh 
to Ahmet, then stands back, leaving the two together, center front. After a 
moment Sabieh suddenly lifts her veil and looks up at Ahmet. Gasp all around 
the room at her action, women and men horrified.) 

Women: Her veil! Behold she lifts her veil! 

Mother : And there are men to see ! 

Sabieh: (Motions with her hand.) Peace, friends. (To Ahmet.) Allah is 
very good, Ahmet, is he not? 

Ahmet: Thou art right, Sabieh. He sent the foreigners to break this 
country's chains and to bring us all this joy. 

Sabieh : Yea, and surely he will not let these helpers go again until the 
veil also is lifted, and all can begin as thou and I together. 

THE END 



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